How to treat a fainted person

Sometimes when a person is feeling light-headed, he or she runs the risk of fainting. When someone faints, it means that they pass out momentarily.

This is not the same as being unconscious, it is a temporary condition and the person can be revived in a few short minutes.

However, someone who is unconscious will not respond to attempts of being revived.

Being unconscious is a lot more dangerous, because when someone losses consciousness, he or she cannot cough or clear the throat, which is especially dangerous if something is stuck in the throat.

Fainting usually occurs when there is not enough blood flow getting to the brain temporarily.

There are many causes of fainting, some of them being stress, overheating, dehydration, exhaustion, or illness.

It can also result from taking medications. Sometimes, if people are perhaps at a summer music festival, they can pass out from standing in one position too long in the sun. This is because blood settles in the lower part of the body when someone is not moving.

Usually, a person will recover quickly and there will be no lasting consequences, but sometimes, it can be a signal of a more serious illness or medical emergency.

When someone is light-headed, it is important to sit, lie down or put one’s head between the legs, which will usually help to restore the adequate blood flow to the brain.

If the loss of consciousness lasts for more than two minutes, it can be serious, however. Often it is the sign of a medical problem, such as a seizure, a hard hit to the head, concussion, heart attack, epilepsy or something else entirely.

If a person is feeling light-headed because of the heat, it is important to get to a cooler place, lie down and elevate the legs eight to 12 inches. Water or a sports drink should be consumed, along with a teaspoon of salt if possible when they are revived.

Fresh air is needed too. It is also important to see if the person is breathing by listening to air moving from the nose and mouth. If the person is not breathing, emergency medical help must be called immediately.

If the person vomits, roll them onto their sides in order to prevent them from choking.

It is important not to panic. Do not slap them, shake them or throw water on their faces.

Do not try to move them or make them sit or stand up and make sure not to leave them unattended.